Agents!! Why do they try this on every time?

[northernrampage]

Way to go NR. It is about time you had a break isn't it!!!

Thank you! Just have to remember to relax, engage my brain, and put across how capable I am at interview.

[The Wikir Man]

I guess agents and clients are now playing the recession card to line their own pockets. Some people have no shame.

Agent for the current gig persuaded me to cut my rate a shade because the client has a psychological barrier about paying over £x00 a day. Knocked off £10 for them, got the gig, and got an extension for another month before I even turned up on site.

[Sockpuppet]

Same thing happened for current gig in Feb.

Worked with this client before. They phoned me up and asked me to come back. "I've been a spaz" I say "broken my leg on the motorbike".

"Ok, can you start monday" they say "we'll pay for a taxi for you" (30 miles each way).

"Ok" I say.

Agent comes back "Client wants you to do it for £90 a day less...they won't budge"

O really I say.

In the end it was some pen pusher deciding he wanted to look good by getting the contractor down on his rate.

For some reason however they also agreed to £X expenses per day. Current client permie I get my time sheets signed by just tells me to "find" a reason to claim in (£20 a day).

So I'm better off than before

[jig]

Any a similar situation went for an interview, was put forward at £500 a day (which was £50 less then the rate I wanted) but accepted. Interview went well and was told they will be making a decision today and yesterday I got this emai from the agent...

'Just to keep you posted – positive feedback about you from XXX but they have put an offer out to someone at 450 per day – that person had a slightly more XXX focus – which is pending

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

So now what? Do you think the agent is trying to squeeze or the client is?

Best approach in this situation? any suggestions?

Cheers
Jig

[pmeswani]

Any a similar situation went for an interview, was put forward at £500 a day (which was £50 less then the rate I wanted) but accepted. Interview went well and was told they will be making a decision today and yesterday I got this emai from the agent...

'Just to keep you posted – positive feedback about you from XXX but they have put an offer out to someone at 450 per day – that person had a slightly more XXX focus – which is pending

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

So now what? Do you think the agent is trying to squeeze or the client is?

Best approach in this situation? any suggestions?

Cheers
Jig

Firstly, stand your ground. Tell the agent that you agreed £500 p/d, and that is the rate you are prepared to go in at.

If you have the client details, it may be worth contacting them apologising for not taking the role over the issue of rate.

[jig]

Firstly, stand your ground. Tell the agent that you agreed £500 p/d, and that is the rate you are prepared to go in at.

If you have the client details, it may be worth contacting them apologising for not taking the role over the issue of rate.

thanks pmeswani. Ive just emailed agent back saying to call if the situation changes (ie the first person declines). I think I should wait and when she gets in touch play my cards, what do you think?

[jig]

Should I email the agent asking if I have been offered the job, think she hedging her bets, want the job what is the best way to proceed? play the waiting game?

[ratewhore]

Because they are ***** and this is how when the market is shyte, all \ most agencies report 'upturn in profits \ magnificent trading position' blah, blah, blah.

They are making too much money off our backs.

Bit harsh that. We're all in business to make money. Pimps will try in their own way, we contractors will try in our own way.

That's the way the world works...

[pmeswani]

Should I email the agent asking if I have been offered the job, think she hedging her bets, want the job what is the best way to proceed? play the waiting game?

How you play it is up to you, but as I suggested, you should stand your ground. If the agent is telling you to drop your rate to £450, they should have done it before they put you forward to the client. The chances are they are looking to cut your rate in order to increase their margins.

You will also have ask yourself if you are prepared to lose any chance of getting this role if you do stand your ground. If you do drop your rate, how far will you drop your rate before you say no to more rate cuts?

I wouldn't bother chasing them for the role to be honest. If you get it, they will contact you and make you a firm offer. If you don't get, you would be wasting your time and theirs by asking for an update. Move on and find another role.

[expat]

Any a similar situation went for an interview, was put forward at £500 a day (which was £50 less then the rate I wanted) but accepted. Interview went well and was told they will be making a decision today and yesterday I got this emai from the agent...

'Just to keep you posted – positive feedback about you from XXX but they have put an offer out to someone at 450 per day – that person had a slightly more XXX focus – which is pending

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

So now what? Do you think the agent is trying to squeeze or the client is?

Best approach in this situation? any suggestions?

Cheers
Jig

If the other guy does't take it "due to rate", why would that be a reason for you to take it at the rate that the other guy turned down?